Fern Hollow Preserve
Description
The 34-acre Fern Hollow Preserve in North Yarmouth is managed for wildlife and provides largely trail-free public access for foraging and hunting. The preserve contains a small tributary to Chandler Brook, a historic culvert and abundant ferns. Visitors should be prepared for a rugged off-trail experience.
47 Cluff Road, North Yarmouth
1/4 mile
More information
The property abuts the state-owned Saint Lawrence & Atlantic (Grand Trunk) rail line, with a historic culvert and overpass.
At the end of pavement at 47 Cluff Road, look for the preserve sign to the right. (Further beyond the pavement the road becomes a private residential driveway.)
A short out and back trail (1/4 mile) leads you through shady conifers before running along the edge of a shallow fern-laden valley. The path descends slightly to the tributary and floodplain area, near a historic culvert.
Please park on the shoulder of Cluff Road past the yardarm sign.
The initial acreage of the preserve was acquired by RRCT in 2005, as an open space requirement of the Packard Farm subdivision. RRCT expanded acreage in 2021, acquiring land from Donny Cluff, known today as the Arthur Cluff Parcel.
Permitted: Camping (with advance notice), fishing, foraging, hiking, hunting, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and trapping (with advance notice). Dogs (on leash or under voice control – leash only near parking, residences, and paved roads), leaving no evidence of their visit.
Hunting: Safe and responsible hunting on the preserve is encouraged. Please call RRCT to inform us if you plan any trapping on the parcel. Hikers should always wear orange during all hunting seasons, on all hikes.
Not Permitted: Fires, parking on nearby Packard Farm Road, smoking, trespassing on railroad tracks, and walking through the railroad culvert (due to dangerous conditions associated with the deterioration of the culvert).
Required: Exceptional attention to leave no trace principles, wearing blaze orange during all hunting seasons, and adherence to postings on private abutting land.
Royal River Conservation Trust protects and stewards properties, including Fern Hollow Preserve, located within the traditional homelands of the Wabanaki. We strive to ensure that our properties are inclusive and accessible and provide opportunities for healing, education, and respite.
The un-named tributary running through the preserve joins Chandler Brook (the Middle Branch of the Royal River) nearby. The preserve includes many remnants of the historic Packard Farm including granite fencing, and old truck, and railroad features.
Fern Hollow Preserve
The 34-acre Fern Hollow Preserve in North Yarmouth is managed for wildlife and provides largely trail-free public access for foraging and hunting. The preserve contains a small tributary to Chandler Brook, a historic culvert and abundant ferns. Visitors should be prepared for a rugged off-trail experience.
